Entry-Level Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Oshkosh, WI: $51,771 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical and clinical laboratory technologists entering the Oshkosh, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $51,771 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2010, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Oshkosh's local price level (BEA RPP 92.9 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $55,710 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($61,886) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates entering the field of medical and clinical laboratory technology in Oshkosh, the starting salary is projected to be around $51,771 in 2026. This initial pay places entry-level professionals below the city's median annual salary of $61,886, highlighting a notable gap for early-career workers. However, there is potential for financial growth; new technologists can expect to see their compensation increase as they gain experience, moving toward the median salary and eventually surpassing it within the first few years. With a healthy annual growth rate of 3.04%, Oshkosh offers a promising job market for aspiring medical and clinical laboratory technologists eager to launch their careers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Oshkosh
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oshkosh
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Oshkosh, WI typically start between $51,771 and $51,771 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $35,301 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $61,886 — 9.96% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average clinical laboratory science program cost in Wisconsin of $46,000 represents just 88.85% of the starting medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ($51,771/year) in Oshkosh. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on NAACLS-accredited MLS bachelor's programs and state university tuition data. The role is sometimes called Medical Technologist (MT) or Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS); BLS aggregates these under the broader OCC 29-2010 'Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians' group code, which also covers MLT (associate-degree technicians, OCC 29-2012). National data and state-level wages reflect the combined group, since the 2024 BLS national OEWS file does not separately publish 29-2011 (Technologists) and 29-2012 (Technicians) at the national level.
MLS Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Oshkosh
- 1Research the Oshkosh market: entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist pay ranges from $51,771 to $51,771, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the clinical laboratory science field — employers in WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Oshkosh, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Oshkosh for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Oshkosh's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Compensation Range
The medical and clinical laboratory technologist wage spread in Oshkosh is $35,301 ( 68.19%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $51,771, experienced hygienists can earn up to $87,072.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$35,080
2025 BLS Actual
$50,244
2026 Current Est.
$51,771
2019–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Oshkosh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,080 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,210 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,690 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,630 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,510 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,260 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,244 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,771 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,345 | Projected |
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Oshkosh, WI grew 43.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $35,080 in 2019 to $50,244 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $53,345. New graduates entering the Oshkosh job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oshkosh metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.04% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your clinical laboratory science Career in Oshkosh
In Oshkosh, large hospitals and corporate health systems represent the primary employers that actively seek new graduates in this profession. These organizations often provide structured onboarding programs, essential for building the foundational skills required in the laboratory environment. Moreover, acquiring state licensure and pursuing advanced certifications can significantly enhance starting pay for new professionals in Wisconsin. As early career technologists navigate their first three years, it's crucial to understand that compensation can vary widely based on employer type and geographic factors. By aligning their career strategy with the industry demand, new graduates can realistically expect salary increases as they gain practical experience and additional credentials.
More salary data for Oshkosh, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Oshkosh in 2026?
How fast do medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries grow in Oshkosh?
Is clinical laboratory science school worth it in Oshkosh?
What do new medical and clinical laboratory technologists make right out of school in Oshkosh?
How do I become a medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Wisconsin?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wisconsin
Written by Alexandra Choi, MS, MT(ASCP)
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in clinical laboratory science. She specializes in molecular diagnostics. She works at a large metropolitan hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new clinical laboratory science graduates. A 3.04% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Oshkosh. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.04%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for medical and clinical laboratory technologists (SOC 29-2010).
Compiled and verified by Alexandra Choi, MS, MT(ASCP), a licensed medical and clinical laboratory technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov